Back to my non-microbrew tastings... for moving day tomorrow, I picked up a Pyramid winter variety back and Noche Bella. The Pyramid has the traditionally Heffe (always one that I liked), oatmeal stout, chai wheat, and what they call Snow Cap. Had the Chai Wheat and Snow Cap. Both were pretty decent beers (again, in relation to being a Pyramid, not compared to traditional micro-brews).

The Noche Bella is probably the next one I try... it is a Mexican Christmas beer. I'm not expecting much, but I had to try it.

UVM2003 wrote:I said arguably - and personally it's EASILY the best craft city.

It's a stupid thing to argue and even try to crown a "best place to get craft beer."

There is really no point to argue on this.

Forgive me having a discussion on a message board.

UVM2003 wrote: I didn't mean to start a pissing match

In that case, stop. There is stuff that several other cities can get that Philly can't get. It's a moot arguing point. I'm glad that you enjoy the craft beer that Philly can get, but it isn't a king; there is no clear winner.

If I were to vote anywhere to get some of the best craft beer, it'd be Colorado. They get some of the best craft beer shipped to them (both west coast and east coast) and already have some of the best breweries.

Over the past weekend, tried 5 Golden Rings from The Bruery. A total change from my favorite IPA's. Great flavor of malt and spices with just enough sour to keep it interesting. Label says it's okay to age up to 7 years.

As a special find while cleaning out a closet of old clothes, tucked in a shirt box was a lone bottle from 2004 of Samichlaus. I know they only brew this beer one day a year and it is hard to find. Not sure why it was in a box or how it would even taste after this many years. I recall having this beer along time ago and recall that it was mean, nasty, and all good at the same time. Gonna do some research on this one.

Pittsburgh beer geeks, keep your eyes peeled from offerings from Uinta. This Utah brewery is pretty solid. Their hop notch IPA is good. Not the citrusy west coast style but a very balanced hop/malt combination with the right punch. Their barley wine is pretty delicious and I don't even like barley wines. Up til recently I've only seen their stuff on draft but bottles are finally filtering in.

there's a store here in south jersey that had it last year. i'll go during my lunch break and check it out. they'll think i'm a weirdo if i buy a whole case of it - since there's no bulk discount or anything, and it'll probably be like 150 bucks. that sort of opulence isn't really in line with their typical client base.

Trying Storm King Stout again tonight. I dunno....I love Victory, and I love stouts. But for some reason, the taste just doesn't sit well with me. A little more hoppy than I am used to...then again, it is a Russian Imperial. Not bad, but far from my favorite stout.